The Green Bay Packers improved to 9-3 this season after a 30-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving.
However, the Packers’ playoff hopes remain challenging as both the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings secured Week 13 wins. Detroit leads the NFC with an 11-1 record, while Minnesota, at 10-2, holds second place in the division and stays ahead of Green Bay in the playoff race.
Green Bay currently occupies the sixth playoff seed, with a 96% to 99% probability of making the postseason. To improve their seeding—or even win the division—they likely need to win all five remaining games, three of which are against divisional opponents. The first of these games is a pivotal matchup against Detroit on Thursday.
Packers See Romeo Doubs and Jaire Alexander Back at Practice
The Lions defeated the Packers 24-14 in their previous meeting. While Green Bay won’t lean on injuries as an excuse, it’s worth noting they played without two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Alexander suffered a knee injury in Green Bay’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, missing the Lions game and taking the following Bye Week to recover. He attempted to return against the Chicago Bears but was pulled early due to complications from what was later diagnosed as a torn PCL.
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs was also absent during the Packers’ Thanksgiving game against the San Francisco 49ers, sidelined by a concussion he sustained earlier.
LaFleur Uncertain About Alexander and Doubs’ Status for Thursday
Despite both Alexander and Doubs returning to practice, head coach Matt LaFleur remains noncommittal about their availability against Detroit.
When asked about Doubs, who is still in the final stage of concussion protocol, LaFleur responded, “We’ll see.” Similarly, regarding Alexander’s progression, he remarked, “He’s progressing.”
LaFleur appears cautious about revealing too much ahead of a crucial divisional game. Fans should remember that both players are focusing on recovery as the Packers prepare for what seems to be an inevitable postseason run.
